Abstract

My inaugural product, the Oasis Coaster, is a decorative container garden that doubles as a beverage coaster which recycles condensation to maintain live succulent plants. Apart from using the piece as a beverage coaster, no additional care is required for thriving, gorgeous succulents in any home, office, restaurant, or bar. My Oasis Coaster gardens use plant based, eco friendly plastic, are very light weight, and can be stored/shipped dry. I filed my own provisional patent application and was accepted into the Texas Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (TALA) program quickly. I have signed with a large law firm to pursue design and utility patents, pro-bono, for this product. Three months ago I began testing my current prototypes at a local brewery, where I teach succulent design workshops. They are functioning beautifully despite much wear and tear, little natural light, and the occasional beer spill. My Oasis Coaster is smart, stylish, uniquely functional, and has never been done.

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Additional Questions

What problem does this idea/product solve or what market need does it serve?

ZerOasis innovates dual-function consumer decor pieces which combine modern hydroponic techniques with live water-smart plants and completely novel patent worthy designs. ZerOasis products are capable of maintaining themselves with small amounts of common, every day waste water; eliminating common pitfalls pertaining to live plant maintenance. The goal of our company is to provide consumers with interesting and enjoyable reminders that sustainable living is both achievable and impactful.

What attributes will make this idea/product successful? Why do you believe that those features will create success?

The ZerOasis (TM) brand patent pending Oasis Coaster is a decorative container garden that doubles as a beverage coaster which recycles condensation to maintain live succulent plants. Apart from using the piece as a beverage coaster, no additional care is required for thriving, gorgeous succulents in any home, office, restaurant, or bar. My Oasis Coaster gardens use plant based, eco friendly plastic, are very light weight, and can be stored/shipped dry. I filed my own provisional patent application and was accepted into the Texas Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (TALA) program quickly. I have signed with a large law firm to pursue design and utility patents, pro-bono, for this product. Three months ago I began testing my current prototypes at a local brewery, where I teach succulent design workshops. They are functioning beautifully despite much wear and tear, little natural light, and the occasional beer spill. My Oasis Coaster is smart, stylish, uniquely functional, and has never been done.

Explain how you (your team) will execute to make this idea/product successful? What gives you (your team) an advantage over others already in the market or new to this market?

My prototypes are on display at a brewery where I work and teach succulent design classes. Initially, I will launch a kickstater and use my current class list as well as brewery guests to gain momentum. My best friend owns the brewery and has approved this. After a first production run, I will sell online and locally out of the brewery here in Austin as well as in boutiques around town. While I am doing this I will leverage my wide network of friends, family, and clients for corporate contacts.

Team Leader

Martha Breed

The University of Texas at Austin

Hi, I'm Martha, a single mom and founder of ZerOasis (TM), LLC. I innovate dual-function consumer decor pieces which combine modern hydroponic techniques with live water-smart plants and completely novel patent worthy designs. ZerOasis products are capable of maintaining themselves with small amounts of common, every day waste water; eliminating common pitfalls pertaining to live plant maintenance. The goal of my company is to provide consumers with interesting and enjoyable reminders that sustainable living is both achievable and impactful.

Activity

We are re-designing our Oasis Coaster prototype for injection molding after four months of hard work IRL at a brewery in Austin, TX!